Key Highlights
- The ongoing state and federal budget delays are affecting North Carolina schools.
- Food insecurity among students is a growing concern due to the uncertainty in education funding.
- Federal support programs like SNAP are facing fluctuations, exacerbating issues for local public schools.
- The shutdown of the federal government threatens key grants and critical supports for schools.
The Cost of Inaction in North Carolina Schools
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Amos Fodchuk highlighted a pressing issue in North Carolina’s education system: the ongoing state and federal budget delays are leaving schools and families in uncertainty. This issue not only affects student nutrition but also key educational programs and community support systems.
Legislative Updates and Funding Uncertainty
In the first episode of “Education Matters” this school year, the conversation centered on legislative updates from the summer. One significant concern was how funding uncertainty brought about by the lack of a state budget and temporarily withheld federal funding would impact students. As we approach the holiday season in 2025, these concerns remain unresolved.
Without a clear budget, North Carolina’s education system is operating on hope and half-measures, trying to meet growing needs with dwindling certainty. The situation has become more critical as many schools may soon serve an increased number of students facing food insecurity.
The Impact of Federal Funding Fluctuations
Earlier this month, over 1.4 million North Carolinians were set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until a federal court ordered emergency funds to keep the program afloat temporarily. These emergency dollars provide some relief but do not address the underlying issues.
When federal supports like SNAP fluctuate, the impact is felt beyond household budgets. It lands squarely in local public schools.
Children arriving hungry struggle to focus, and school nutrition teams must stretch limited budgets to meet growing needs.
The instability of these programs exposes a truth many would rather ignore: our safety nets are fragile. For every nine meals provided by SNAP, the current food bank system can only provide one. This disparity highlights the need for stable, predictable systems that prioritize student futures over political stalemates.
Shutdown Disruptions and Long-Term Consequences
The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history is now threatening key grants that fund essential programs such as early learning, special education services, teacher training, and rural broadband expansion. Shutdowns also slow critical supports outside of school hours, including housing assistance, child care subsidies, and transportation programs.
When these systems stall, the effects are felt throughout communities. For schools already operating on thin margins, even short-term disruptions can have long-lasting consequences for learning and well-being. Ongoing delays in Washington and Raleigh mean a guessing game for classrooms across North Carolina, with districts left to operate without clear funding commitments.
Conclusion
The Urgency of Passing Budgets
As we enter the holiday season defined by gratitude and giving, it’s time for state and federal lawmakers to pass budgets that fund essential programs. Providing certainty is crucial for schools to plan, hire staff, and ensure every child has access to proper nutrition. When budgets are delayed, students pay the price.
The article concludes with a call to action: stable funding systems must prioritize student futures over political stalemates. Both state and federal lawmakers have an urgent responsibility to address this issue before it becomes even more critical in the coming months.
